Crisis-hit Wales rocked by North blow for New Zealand clash

Wales suffered a huge setback when winger George North was ruled out of Saturday's Test against New Zealand with a hip injury.

North, 20, suffered the injury in
training on Tuesday and his Scarlets colleague Liam Williams, who won
his only cap against the Barbarians in June, will take over on the left
wing.

Injury blow: Wales' George North

North has scored 11 tries in his 25 Tests for Wales, and is one of the main attacking threats for the Six Nations champions, who are looking to get back on track after starting their autumn campaign with demoralising defeats to Argentina and Samoa.

Williams, who won his one and only Wales cap to date against the Barbarians in June, has impressed for the Scarlets so far this season, but in his preferred position of full-back.

Wales assistant coach Robin McBryde believes Williams is ready to face the All Blacks, saying: 'We are well aware of the threat George poses but we are fortunate to have someone like Liam, who has performed consistently well for the Scarlets, to fill in for him.

'One thing that is evident whenever he puts on the shirt for the Scarlets or for Wales is he is full of life, does not take a backward step and gives as good as he gets.'

The All Blacks could have their own injury problem with reports that fly-half Dan Carter suffered a leg or groin injury during yesterday's training session at the University of Glamorgan.

According to website www.stuff.co.nz Carter appeared in immediate discomfort and changed training bibs with Aaron Cruden during a shortened work-out because of bad weather.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen was asked before training if Carter was carrying an injury and Hansen emphatically replied: 'No'.

Cruden would be the obvious replacement if 93 times-capped Carter is sidelined, although there has been no official comment from the All Blacks camp.

Carter has scored 162 points in nine appearances against Wales, while the All Blacks, who are unbeaten in 19 Tests, conclude their autumn tour against England at Twickenham on Saturday week.

Injury cut short his World Cup campaign last year, but the All Blacks still lifted the Webb Ellis Trophy after they lost Carter during the competition's pool stages.